Pilot whales can show up fast. This 3-hour sailing trip off Tenerife mixes a 52-foot yacht cruise along the south coast with watching pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, plus a swim and snorkel stop in a calm bay.

What I like most is the way the crew treats wildlife with spacing and timing, not like a chase. I also love the relaxed pace for a short outing, especially when the captain finds animals and the boat slows down so you can actually enjoy the moment.

One thing to consider is motion. Reviews mention the sea can get bumpy on some days, and kids (and adults) can feel it, so plan accordingly if you get seasick easily.

Key Points Before You Go

• Small, friendly vibe on the yacht, with many people describing it as more intimate than the crowded boats
• Wildlife-first behavior, including times when the captain slows or stops the engine to reduce disturbance
• Snorkel stop in a quiet bay, with basic gear included and plenty of time to cool off
• Snacks and drinks onboard, including fruit, sandwiches, and a selection of beverages
• Know the barefoot rule, since you will be asked to go barefoot on board

Leaving Puerto Colón: The Yacht Experience Starts Immediately

The whole trip runs out of Puerto Colón, and you’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early. Meeting is at the Pantalán (dock) number zero, and it helps to search for Miishi Restaurant in Google Maps to find the right spot fast. There are parkings at the port, and one review mentioned it was roughly 1€ per hour, so budget a little if you drive.

This is a real sailing setup on a 52-foot yacht, not a big party catamaran. Reviews repeatedly describe the boat as beautiful and comfortable, and many people say the mood is calm, even when the water gets a bit lively.

Also, read the footwear rule ahead of time. You are expected to go barefoot on board, except in case of health issues. If you hate the idea, consider bringing a pair of thin, easy-to-remove shoes for the dock area only, then plan to go without once you’re on the deck.

How the Crew Looks for Whales, Dolphins, and Turtles

The main goal is wildlife, and the crew’s job is to find where the animals are. You get a short briefing at the start, and the guide explains the plan, then shares useful info about sea life as you cruise along Tenerife’s southern coastline.

In reviews, the most common sightings are pilot whales and dolphins, and a few people also mention spotting a sea turtle. One standout theme: the captain and crew seem to respect the animals’ choices about how close they want to come.

That matters for your experience, because wildlife viewing is better when the boat isn’t constantly pushing forward. Several reviews specifically note moments when the skipper turned off the motor or made sure the animals were not being interrupted, which gives you a more natural feel out on the water. The result is that you spend time watching, not just ticking boxes.

Now the honest part: wildlife is wild. Some trips will be dolphin-heavy, others more whale-heavy, and sometimes you might spot fewer of one species than you hoped. On at least one trip, people reported whales but no dolphins, and another person said they did not see a specific landmark they expected, so keep your plans flexible.

The Sail Along Tenerife’s South Coast: Views, Sea Notes, and Pace

You are out for about three hours, and the itinerary is built around motion and searching. Expect time cruising along the south coast before you head into the best wildlife area. The crew points out the most populated spots along the way, and they keep talking, which helps you connect what you’re seeing to how these animals behave.

This is also when you may get your sailing moment. One review mentioned that there was not enough wind for the sails, and another described a trip where the sails went up and the ride felt incredible. So, you should treat sailing as part of the charm, not a guarantee.

The upside of this pacing is that it stays watchable. You are not rushed from one big tourist stop to another. Most reviewers describe the pace as comfortable, and many say the group size felt small enough to avoid that cattle-herding feeling you see on larger boats.

The Swim and Snorkel Stop in a Secluded Bay

After the wildlife time on the water, the captain drops anchor in a secluded bay. This is your break from scanning horizons, and it turns the trip from wildlife tour into a proper sea day.

You get a quick window to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the boat while the water does its thing. Basic snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not have to pack the bulky stuff. If you’ve never snorkeled before, the gear inclusion is a big plus for value, and it also helps you spend less time preparing and more time actually in the water.

A few reviewers mention the water being clear and the bay having gorgeous blue tones, which usually means the snorkeling experience is more pleasant. Still, conditions can vary by day, so don’t plan your whole vacation around a specific underwater photo moment. The benefit here is the combination of wildlife watching plus a real swim stop, not one or the other.

One practical note: you’ll want to be ready to move quickly when the anchor drops. Bring your towel and don’t bury your swimwear under extra layers, because once you’re at the stop, you’ll want to make the most of the short swim window.

Onboard Comfort, Snacks, and the Crew Style

If you care about how a tour feels day to day, this part matters. The crew repeatedly gets praised for being kind and attentive, and many reviews mention a welcoming captain who checked that everyone was comfortable.

You’ll also get real onboard comfort, not just survival-level seating. Multiple people describe a comfortable, calm atmosphere and an experience that feels close to a private charter, especially when the number of guests is low. One reviewer even noted there were about 10 people onboard excluding crew, and the boat never felt crowded. Smaller group size usually means less noise and more flexibility if the captain needs to reposition.

Food and drinks onboard

Included snacks are one of the best value points here. You get fresh fruits and sandwiches, plus a selection of beverages like beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water. That’s a lot for a three-hour trip.

In other words, you can actually stop thinking about lunch. If you’re the type who gets annoyed when half-day tours give you a cookie and call it food, this setup is more substantial than that.

Real comfort tips from reviews

Here’s what I’d take from the reviews as practical advice:

• If you’re prone to seasickness, try to sit nearer the front. One review suggested this and noted it made the difference for someone’s first boat trip.
• Expect the ride can get bumpy on days with tall waves. A review mentioned kids got seasick during unusually rough wave conditions, but they still enjoyed it. So pack a seasickness strategy if you need one.

You can’t control the sea, but you can control where you sit and how prepared you are.

Bringing the Right Stuff for a 3-Hour Sea Day

For this trip, you’re basically going from dock to sea, then back, with a short swim window. So pack light and smart.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Not allowed:

• Oversize luggage

Also, plan to leave extra stuff behind. One reason this trip feels smooth is that everyone boards quickly and gets onto the deck. Oversized bags slow things down, and you do not need them anyway.

And yes, sunscreen matters twice: once before you set out, and again because you’ll be out on open water and in and out of the sun while anchored.

Price and Value: Is $88 a Good Deal?

At $88 per person for about three hours, this tour is priced like a quality half-day, not a budget splash-and-go. The value comes from what you get in one package: wildlife watching, a real sailing yacht experience, and a swim with snorkeling gear, plus included food and drinks.

Here’s the value equation I think matters most:

• You’re not paying extra for snorkeling gear, since basic equipment is included.
• You’re not paying extra for snacks and drinks, and the list includes alcoholic options like beer, cava, and wine.
• You’re getting a wildlife-focused crew, including times when captains adjust behavior to avoid interrupting whales and dolphins.

If you compare that to tours that only offer a quick viewing and then leave you with nothing but water and a seat, this is closer to a complete outing.

One more value factor is group size. When the boat is not full, the experience feels more personal, and that can make the difference between seeing a creature for five seconds and actually watching behavior for longer.

Who This Trip Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want whale and dolphin watching without a huge, crowded vibe
• Like the idea of combining wildlife time with a swim and snorkel stop
• Care about onboard snacks and drinks, not just scenery

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get seasick easily and have no coping plan for bumpy water days
• Need hotel pickup, since the trip does not include it, and you will handle transport to the dock
• Are uncomfortable going barefoot on board

Should You Book This Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Sailing Trip?

My take: if your main goal is a calm, wildlife-forward boat day on a yacht, this one is a solid choice. The reviews lean hard toward two things that really matter: the crew’s care and attention, and the feeling that they respect marine life instead of treating animals like a theme park.

Book it if you want a high chance at seeing pilot whales and dolphins, then getting a genuine water break in a quiet bay with included snacks and snorkeling gear. Skip it only if seasickness is a serious issue for you, because the sea can get rough enough that even kids can struggle, or if you dislike the dock-to-boat logistics since there is no hotel pickup.

If you do book, go in ready for the sea day. Bring the swim kit, bring sunscreen, and pick your seat with motion in mind. That way, you spend your time watching whales, not thinking about discomfort.

FAQ

How long is the sailing excursion?

The duration is 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $88 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Pantalán (dock) number zero in Puerto Colón. You can search for Miishi Restaurant to find the dock area.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What wildlife might we see during the trip?

You’ll be on the lookout for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles.

Do we stop to swim and snorkel?

Yes. The captain will anchor in a secluded bay, and there is time to swim and snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh fruits and sandwiches are included, along with beverages such as beers, cava, wine, soft drinks, juices, and water.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Basic snorkeling equipment is provided.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible, and is footwear allowed?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. There is a barefoot on board policy, with exceptions for health issues.